British English may share its roots with American English, but spend even a day in the UK and you’ll quickly find that the two versions of the language can sound worlds apart.
From quirky phrases to slang that seems to defy logic, here are 25 classic British sayings that often leave Americans scratching their heads but might just become your new favorites.
1. Have a Chinwag
Don’t worry no chins are harmed in the making of this phrase. “Have a chinwag” means to have a chat, usually a long or gossip-filled one. It’s the British equivalent of catching up over coffee.
Example: “Let’s grab a pint and have a chinwag. It’s been ages!”
2. She’s So Gobby
Calling someone “gobby” implies they talk too much or speak loudly and often rudely. It’s not the kindest term, but it’s often said with a hint of humor.
Example: “She always has to have the last word—so gobby!”
3. The Bee’s Knees
This one’s all about admiration. If someone or something is “the bee’s knees,” it means they’re excellent or top-notch.
Example: “That café you recommended? Absolutely the bee’s knees!”
4. A Few Quid
“Quid” is the informal term for the British pound. It’s used just like “bucks” in American English. Example: “It only cost me twenty quid for the whole meal.”
5. It’s All Gone Pear-Shaped
This phrase means something has gone terribly wrong or not as planned. The origin is unclear, but the image of a perfect plan going all lopsided is easy to grasp.
Example: “The wedding was lovely until the cake fell then it all went pear-shaped.”
6. Ta-Ta
A light, friendly way of saying goodbye. It’s informal, cheery, and often paired with “for now.”
Example: “I’m off to the shops. Ta-ta for now!”
7. Curtain Twitcher
A “curtain twitcher” is someone who spies on neighbors from behind the safety of their curtains. It’s a humorous way to describe a nosy person.
Example: “Don’t tell Mrs. Howard anything she’s a right curtain twitcher.”
8. For Yonks
This means “a very long time,” and it’s common in both British and Australian English.
Example: “I haven’t had a proper Sunday roast in yonks!”
9. I’m Knackered
To be “knackered” is to be absolutely exhausted physically or mentally. It’s more dramatic than simply being tired.
Example: “After that hike, I’m completely knackered!”
10. That’s Rubbish
In this context, “rubbish” doesn’t mean literal trash it means nonsense or something that’s untrue or ridiculous.
Example: “You think the Earth is flat? That’s rubbish.”
11. Sort of Bloke
“Bloke” just means “guy,” and it’s a term used in everyday conversation. It can be affectionate, neutral, or even admiring.
Example: “He’s a decent sort of bloke. Would give you the shirt off his back.”
12. Blimey
An exclamation expressing surprise, shock, or disbelief. Think of it like “Wow!” or “Good grief!”
Example: “Blimey! Did you see the price of that coat?”
13. That’s Smashing
Contrary to what it sounds like, “smashing” is a positive term. It means something is fantastic, wonderful, or delightful.
Example: “What a smashing evening we had!”
14. All Go to Pot
If something “goes to pot,” it means it has deteriorated or failed miserably.
Example: “The business was booming, then the economy tanked and it all went to pot.”
15. Use a Brolly
“Brolly” is simply an umbrella. Always handy in the UK, where rain can arrive unannounced.
Example: “You’d better take a brolly it’s looking grey out.”
16. Brass Monkey Weather
This peculiar phrase means it’s extremely cold. The full (and more vulgar) version is “cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.”
Example: “Don’t forget your gloves it’s brass monkeys today!”
17. Sod Off
This is a somewhat rude way of telling someone to go away. It can be playful among friends or offensive in an argument.
Example: “He told me to sod off just because I borrowed his charger!”
18. Mind the Gap
A famous phrase used in the London Underground, warning passengers of the gap between the train and the platform.
Example: You’ll hear “Mind the gap” every few minutes while riding the Tube.
19. And Bob’s Your Uncle
Used to indicate that something is easy or that a process is complete. Kind of like saying “and there you have it.”
Example: “Just press the green button, then the red, and Bob’s your uncle!”
20. Posh Nosh
“Posh” means fancy or high-class, and “nosh” means food. Together, “posh nosh” means upscale dining.
Example: “We had some posh nosh at that new French bistro.”
21. She’s Lush
“Lush” in British slang means very attractive or appealing whether it’s a person, a dessert, or even a view.
Example: “That new girl in marketing? She’s proper lush.”
22. Rent a Flat
A “flat” is what Brits call an apartment. It’s used universally across the UK and in many other parts of the world.
Example: “We’re renting a flat near Hyde Park this summer.”
23. Tea and Crumpets
Crumpets are a traditional British teatime snack soft, griddle-cooked cakes full of holes perfect for soaking up butter and jam.
Example: “Join us for tea and crumpets at four.”
24. Fish and Chips
A staple of British cuisine, “fish and chips” refers to battered and fried fish served with thick-cut fries.
Example: “Nothing beats a good fish and chips by the seaside.”
25. Going on a Holiday
In Britain, “holiday” means what Americans refer to as “vacation.” Whether it’s Spain, Scotland, or the countryside, they’re going on holiday.
Example: “I’m off on holiday next week can’t wait to relax!”
Alicia Richards